Hotel des Tourelles

Hotel des Tourelles translates to “Hotel of Turrets,” but you don’t have to have Rapunzel’s overflowing hair (or a wallet overflowing with francs) to gaze out longingly from this classy two-star number. Housed in a stone building that dates back to 1885 and managed by two generations of the same family, the 22-room Tourelles is a classy budget spot with simple furnishings, a central location and some killer views of the river.

As is the case in many historic buildings, the layout of guestrooms varies: Some feature sunny alcoves, while others have showers plopped down in the bedroom. Some guests will find these intriguing shapes quirky, but others might be put off by the odd angles at which the walls meet. Likewise, the parquet floors are lovely, if a tad creaky. On the whole, though, we considered these details, along with the mismatched wooden furnishings, part of the charm.

All rooms are equipped with a television, mini-fridge and free Wi-Fi. By far the best rooms in the house are those with riverside balconies uncommon in Geneva’s cheap(-ish) hotels. And all you have to do is ask: The rooms with a view don’t cost more than the uninspiring back rooms.

The thin, individually wrapped soap packets sum it up for the bathrooms: They’re functional and hygienic, but there’s nothing remarkable about them. The warm tiles and frosted plastic shower doors exemplify ‘90s European aesthetics, and the small shower heads don’t provide the most luxurious water pressure.

The tiled dining room and the simple breakfast (included in the room rate) are less than inspiring. But there is a microwave that can be used around the clock.

Those looking for a reasonably-priced establishment that diverts from the cookie-cutter chains will do well here. And the hotel’s riverfront location and proximity to attractions cannot be beat.